Category: Newcastle News

For the first time in history, City of Newcastle has honoured two seniors as joint winners of a top award, acknowledging their decades of service to vulnerable communities.
 
 John Cross is honoured for his quiet, dedicated support for Newcastle residents experiencing homelessness, and Wanda McInnes-Fogg has been recognised for her long standing, vital role at Zara’s House where she supports refugee settlement in Newcastle.

From L-R Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joins the 2026 Citizen of the Year award recipients Peter Sleap, Wanda McInnes-Fogg, Alyssa Wharton, Jenny’s Place representative Dawn Walker and John Cross. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the joint award recognises the extraordinary dedication of two seniors who have spent decades strengthening the city’s social fabric.

“John and Wanda have each dedicated countless hours, often unnoticed to supporting people doing it tough,” Cr Kerridge said.

“John’s consistent advocacy for rough sleepers to access care and Wanda’s work supporting refugee women and children with settling and education both contribute to a stronger community cohesion across Newcastle. We are incredibly proud to honour two people who give so much of themselves to others.”

One of John’s most cherished achievements was helping reclaim the identity of Vietnam veteran Alwyn “Shorty” Craig, from decades of anonymity on the streets to long‑term housing, medical care and reunion with his family.

Over the last five years, Wanda has served as the Secretary and Public Officer for Zara’s House, forging key partnerships with the Red Cross, University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW, to build disaster resilience and create skills and employment pathways for refugee women.

She has also assisted numerous refugees to eliminate debt and serves as the coordinator of a bilingual early education program, providing teachers with age‑appropriate activities tailored to each child.

City of Newcastle also announced its Citizen of the Year, honouring a community champion whose personal adversity has driven him to create meaningful change for local families.

Peter ‘Sleapy’ Sleap is a well-known character in Newcastle who has been recognised for transforming his own stage‑four throat cancer survival into a powerful force for good.

Since 2019, Peter’s charity Sleapy’s Foundation has delivered immediate financial relief, meaningful experiences and practical programs for cancer victims and their families, with 99 percent of all funds going directly back into the community. 

In the past year, Sleapy’s Foundation raised $250,000 at its annual Sleapy’s Day event, supported more than 160 local families, provided Cancer Care Bags for patients at Calvary Mater Hospital and led a $500,000 project to establish a courtyard at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Hunter Hospital.

Rounding out this year’s honours, City of Newcastle has also named its Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year, acknowledging the contributions of emerging leaders and vital community organisations.

Young Citizen of the Year went to 21-year-old Alyssa Wharton, who was acknowledged for her leadership in cricket, where she mentors young players, organises cricket carnivals and serves as the Cricket Blast Coordinator, growing the program from eight to 50 participants in just three years.

As the only female umpire in the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association, she pushed for junior girls’ games to encourage visibility and representation and was named Cricket NSW’s 2025 Young Leader of the Year.

Community Group of the Year went to Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge for its long-standing commitment to assist women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.

In the past year, Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge supported more than 1200 women and children through crisis accommodation, outreach casework and early‑intervention programs.

The organisation continues to enhance its support model, establishing the Community Transport Program in 2025 to help clients without access to a vehicle or who have difficulty affording public transport.

City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of exemplary Novocastrians over the past year.

City of Newcastle is adding the finishing touches to a $2.1 million project which is improving
safety for all road users at two key intersections in Hamilton South.

Upgrades to the roundabouts at Smith and National Park Streets along with new on-road cycle
lanes have created a safer, more comfortable journey for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Features of the project include the realignment of kerbs, the addition of six speed bumps, new
shared path crossings and off-road cyclist bypasses, which will make it easier for people of all
ages and abilities to move around the area safely and confidently.

The project has been delivered by City of Newcastle, utilising $469,000 from the Australian
Government Black Spots Program, which is administered by Transport for NSW.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager of Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said Parkway
Avenue is an important connecting route for schools, sportsgrounds, shopping centres and
beaches.

“These changes have been designed to cater for everyone who travels through the area,” Mr
Tranter said.

“We’ve made it safer for all users by slowing traffic on approach to the roundabouts, providing
off-road cyclist bypasses at each roundabout, as well as designated on-road cycle lanes with a
clear buffer to parked vehicles.

“This will help to address the conditions which have led to eight crashes in the past five years at
these two roundabouts, with the majority involving cyclists.

“We’ve worked closely with Newcastle High to ensure the project aligns with the school’s
transport management plans and supports NSW Schools Infrastructure’s current campus
development project, ensuring the new connections support the expected increase of students.

“The two raised shared path crossings on Parkway Avenue in front of the school will also improve
pedestrian safety and we made sure to retain the heritage character of Parkway Avenue and its
beautiful tree-lined median.

“Our engagement period in 2024 showed the community overwhelming supported the safety and
cycling improvements this project is delivering.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the completion of the Parkway Avenue
project is a real win for our community.

“These improvements make it safer and easier for people of all ages to walk, ride and connect
with their neighbourhood,” Ms Claydon said.

“Good cycling infrastructure saves lives. By providing options to separate bikes from traffic and
improving visibility, we’re making our streets safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike.

“This project, backed by a $469,000 investment from the Albanese Labor Government, is about
giving people genuine transport choices.

“Whether you’re riding to school, commuting to work, or out for exercise, this cycleway delivers
safer connections and a healthier, more liveable Newcastle.”

In addition to the black spot funding which addressed the roundabout safety improvements and
the two shared-path crossings, City of Newcastle has funded additional upgrades including the
eight shared-path cyclist roundabout bypasses and the two on-road cycle lanes.

The project aligns with City of Newcastle’s ‘On Our Bikes’ Cycling Plan (2021-2030) and will
support future cycleway connections to the Harbour Foreshore, creating a more connected,
accessible city.

Newcastle Cycleways Movement president Nev Jones said the project design offers choices for
cyclists.

“The shared paths and crossings are there for less confident riders, while experienced cyclists
can continue through the roundabout on-road by claiming the lane,” Mr Jones said.

“The changes to Parkway Avenue near Newcastle High School are expected to slow vehicle
speeds at the roundabouts, improving safety for pedestrians and people of all ages riding bikes.
“The changes are a positive step toward a safer school precinct.”

City of Newcastle will complete the final stage of the project by early February including line
marking, signage and landscaping.

The Minns and Albanese Labor governments, in partnership with Singleton Council, have today cut the ribbon on a major upgrade to Brunners Bridge at Mitchells Flat – strengthening freight access, and improving safety in the Upper Hunter.

The $7.2 million upgrade replaces an ageing bridge with a modern, heavy-duty crossing designed to carry larger freight vehicles and better connect local communities.

The project was jointly funded, with $6.5 million from the NSW Government and $700,000 from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

For communities in the Upper Hunter, Brunners Bridge is a vital everyday connection – linking Singleton, Elderslie and Gresford and providing access to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange. The Bridge also supports families, connecting them to work, schools and local services.

With a heavier load limit of 68.5 tonnes, the upgraded bridge improves reliability, supports local industry and keeps the region connected when it matters most.

The upgrade involved full demolition of the old structure and construction of a new bridge, culvert and approaches. Wider lanes and an improved road surface allow heavier vehicles to cross safely, reducing pressure on surrounding local roads and improving safety for all road users.

This upgrade follows the recent completion of Kilfoyles Bridge in Singleton, a critical project delivered under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in response to the 2022 NSW floods. The project has improved road safety, strengthened connectivity and boosted flood resilience for residents, visitors and freight operators across the Upper Hunter.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP:

Projects like these are critical to ensuring regional infrastructure can safely accommodate modern freight and vehicles.

Replacing the previous bridge, which dates back around 80 years, will help keep communities safely and reliably connected.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP:

The completion of this project is great news for locals, visitors and businesses in the Upper Hunter.

Brunners Bridge isn’t just concrete and steel, it’s a daily link for families, farmers and freight in the Upper Hunter.

In Regional NSW, roads are not a convenience. They are the lifeblood that connects people to work, school and services, and keeps freight and agriculture moving. That’s why upgrading local bridges like this matters so much.

The Minns Labor Government is backing regions like the Upper Hunter with tangible investments – building stronger connections and supporting regional economies.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP:

This is a great example of all levels of government working together to deliver a great outcome for the Upper Hunter.

This important local project will boost road safety and connectivity for residents, visitors and freight vehicles.

The local communities, freight and agribusiness industry, transport and the wider economy will all benefit from this significant investment.”

Quotes attributable to Singleton Mayor, Cr Sue Moore:

Brunners Bridge has been a longstanding priority in Council’s Infrastructure Advocacy Agenda, and its reopening marks a proud milestone for Singleton. It’s a vital route designed to meet the needs of modern freight and agricultural vehicles.

Gresford Road, where Brunners Bridge crosses Glendon Brook, is an essential freight corridor for the region’s agricultural producers, linking them to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange and beyond.

The replacement of this bridge means larger trucks carrying heavier freight loads can now cross safely and efficiently. Increasing the bridge’s load capacity not only improves safety and reliability but also supports the growth of local agribusiness and helps reduce heavy vehicle traffic in surrounding areas.

This project has been years in the making, and I want to sincerely thank the local community for their patience throughout the construction period, especially during the extended road closure.

It’s a testament to the power of collaboration across all levels of government, and an excellent example of infrastructure investment that delivers long-term benefits for the Singleton community.”

A motor cycle rider has died after a crash in the state’s Hunter region.

About 10.35am today (Monday 26 January 2026), emergency services responded to reports of a crash between a motorcycle and a Toyota Hilux along Putty Road, Howes Valley, approximately 50km south-west of Singleton.

The rider – a 21-year-old man – died prior to the arrival of emergency services.

The 48-year-old male driver of the Hilux was uninjured and was taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory testing.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have established a coronial scene and commenced an investigation into the incident where a report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Putty Road between Putty and Milbrodale is currently closed and is expected to remain a coronial scene for a considerable amount of time.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area.

A motorcycle rider has died after crashing in the state’s Hunter region.

Shortly after 8.30am today (Sunday 25 January 2026), emergency services were called to Sandy Creek Road, Mount Vincent, following reports of a crash.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District arrived to find a motorcycle had left the roadway and crashed into a tree.

The rider – a man believed to be aged in his 60s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious injuries, however died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

Police have established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the incident.

A report will be created for the information of the Coroner.

City of Newcastle is adding the finishing touches to a $2.1 million project which is improving safety for all road users at two key intersections in Hamilton South.

Upgrades to the roundabouts at Smith and National Park Streets along with new on-road cycle lanes have created a safer, more comfortable journey for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Features of the project include the realignment of kerbs, the addition of six speed bumps, new shared path crossings and off-road cyclist bypasses, which will make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to move around the area safely and confidently.

The project has been delivered by City of Newcastle, utilising $469,000 from the Australian Government Black Spots Program, which is administered by Transport for NSW.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager of Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said Parkway Avenue is an important connecting route for schools, sportsgrounds, shopping centres and beaches.

“These changes have been designed to cater for everyone who travels through the area,” Mr Tranter said.

“We’ve made it safer for all users by slowing traffic on approach to the roundabouts, providing off-road cyclist bypasses at each roundabout, as well as designated on-road cycle lanes with a clear buffer to parked vehicles.

“This will help to address the conditions which have led to eight crashes in the past five years at these two roundabouts, with the majority involving cyclists.

“We’ve worked closely with Newcastle High to ensure the project aligns with the school’s transport management plans and supports NSW Schools Infrastructure’s current campus development project, ensuring the new connections support the expected increase of students.

“The two raised shared path crossings on Parkway Avenue in front of the school will also improve pedestrian safety and we made sure to retain the heritage character of Parkway Avenue and its beautiful tree-lined median.

“Our engagement period in 2024 showed the community overwhelming supported the safety and cycling improvements this project is delivering.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the completion of the Parkway Avenue project is a real win for our community.

“These improvements make it safer and easier for people of all ages to walk, ride and connect with their neighbourhood,” Ms Claydon said.

“Good cycling infrastructure saves lives. By providing options to separate bikes from traffic and improving visibility, we’re making our streets safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike.

“This project, backed by a $469,000 investment from the Albanese Labor Government, is about giving people genuine transport choices. 

“Whether you’re riding to school, commuting to work, or out for exercise, this cycleway delivers safer connections and a healthier, more liveable Newcastle.”

In addition to the black spot funding which addressed the roundabout safety improvements and the two shared-path crossings, City of Newcastle has funded additional upgrades including the eight shared-path cyclist roundabout bypasses and the two on-road cycle lanes.

The project aligns with City of Newcastle’s ‘On Our Bikes’ Cycling Plan (2021-2030) and will support future cycleway connections to the Harbour Foreshore, creating a more connected, accessible city.

Newcastle Cycleways Movement president Nev Jones said the project design offers choices for cyclists.

“The shared paths and crossings are there for less confident riders, while experienced cyclists can continue through the roundabout on-road by claiming the lane,” Mr Jones said.

“The changes to Parkway Avenue near Newcastle High School are expected to slow vehicle speeds at the roundabouts, improving safety for pedestrians and people of all ages riding bikes.

“The changes are a positive step toward a safer school precinct.”

City of Newcastle will complete the final stage of the project by early February including line marking, signage and landscaping.

Novocastrians can make a splash on 26 January without dipping into their pockets with City of Newcastle offering free entry to its inland pools from 1pm.

Standard fees will apply before 1pm at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield Pools, with kiosks to be open at all five facilities, while the operating hours of the waterslide at Lambton will be extended until 5pm.

The free entry proposal was approved by the elected Council in June last year as part of a $2 entry fee trial at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools for the 2025/26 swimming season.

Councillor Callum Pull, who proposed the free entry, says it’s a great way for families to enjoy quality time together without the expense.

“Afternoon free entry on Australia Day allows the community to come together and enjoy the public holiday while promoting social cohesion and wellbeing,” Cr Pull said.

“Our $2 entry fee trial is proving popular at Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield so I’m sure Novocastrians will take full advantage of free entry on Australia Day.

“City of Newcastle and our specialist pool operator BlueFit will ensure there is an appropriate number of lifeguards on duty to keep the community safe.”

City of Newcastle is also supporting a range of events and initiatives to bring the community together on the Australia Day long weekend.

Swimmers will be diving into a different body of water on 26 January with hundreds expected to take part in the 30^th anniversary of Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club’s popular Newcastle Harbour Swim.

Competitors can attempt a single crossing from Stockton to Queens Wharf or the double crossing which also starts in Stockton, as part of the only legal swim across a working harbour.

On 25 January, City of Newcastle is supporting the fifth year of Ngarrama, a free public event in King Edward Park.

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, proud Wiradjuri woman and co-chairperson of City of Newcastle’s Guraki Standing Committee, said it’s an opportunity for the community to reflect on traditional life in Mooloobinba before 1788, and our journey towards reconciliation.

“Ngarrama celebrates the richness and resilience of First Nations culture, in particular the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional custodians of the land upon which Newcastle now stands,” Cr Richardson said.

“Ngarrama translates to ‘to sit, listen, and know’ and as the name captures, it will be a time for listening and quiet reflection through the sharing of stories, knowledge and culture.”

The long weekend will also feature the sixth action-packed edition of the Beach 5s Rugby Festival at Nobbys Beach from 24 to 26 January, with a record number of teams registering for the event and free entry for spectators.

The program for Monday 26 January includes several Indigenous exhibition games, the Liam ‘Grump’ Gallager memorial match and the All Star Legends clash featuring Kurt Gidley’s Newcastle Knights up against the Talk2MeBro All Stars.

Beach 5s rugby is based on modified rules of Rugby Union, Rugby League and Touch Football with no lineouts, scrums or conversions.

For a change of pace, Newcastle Museum is also hosting a free event featuring three days of fun on the water across the long weekend.

Museum Park will come alive with working model boats, hands-on activities for kids, science shows and plenty for families to explore.

The event will include live sailing circuits, docking and manoeuvring demonstrations, tugboats and steam-period demonstrations, while on Sunday visitors will have the chance to make and sail sustainable bark canoes.

For more information head to the VisitNewcastle website:

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy reported missing from the State’s Hunter Region.

Brayden Bennett-Schuster, aged 16, was last seen in Raymond Terrace about 12pm on Friday 16 January 2026.

Unable to be contacted or located since, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family have concerns for Brayden’s welfare due to his age.

Brayden is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, with a thin build, and brown hair.

He is known to the frequent the Raymond Terrace, Central Coast, and Mount Druitt areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens-Hunter Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.